The following was copied from a hand-written autobiography copy from the scrapbook of Louisa Yates Robison in the Historical Department of the Church. I have added but a few punctuation marks and remarks in parentheses. - Shirley Watkins

SHORT SKETCH OF LIFE OF ELIZABETH F. YATES

I was born at South Moulton Devonshire England, Oct. 8th 1833. My parents were John Francis and Susan Mallette Francis. I was the 4th child and eldest daughter. My father and three brothers (older than myself) were military men. My father died when I was eleven years of age. At his death the family support was cut off. My mother was left with four children at home to provide for. My chance for an education that my father had intended giving me was at an end. My parents were members of the Church of England (or the Episcopal Church). Soon after I was in my teens I was reading in the New Testament where Jesus was teaching baptism and how it should be performed. It surprised me. I had often seen infants brought to the church to be baptized (as it was called). But when I had read what Jesus had said was the plan I could not reconcile the two that were so different. So - I talked to my mother and uncles about it, and asked them to explain "why pure innocent babies had to be baptized for remission of sins when it was impossible for them to sin". They were shocked and feared I would be an infidel. I could not enjoy attending church after that, and only went occasionaly to please my dear mother. Some time after, some Mormon Elders came to the town to preach. They converted several people - mostly poor and almost unknown people. I did not go to hear them preach. I did not think they would be any better than the old church - it was very respectable at least. But one day a person asked me if I would read a "tract". I said I did not like religious tracts. But he urged me to take it. so because I did not want to appear rude, I accepted it but did not intend to read it but keep it a while and return it. One stormy day I accidently found it and opened at about the middle of the book. I found it to be the account of a three nights discussion by Apostle John Taylor with some ministers in France. I had not read long before I became deeply interested and when I had read it all, I said aloud "Praise the Lord. I have found the right way at last". I thought, I will read this to Mother and family. They will rejoice with me. But, in this, I was much disappointed.

I soon after attended a meeting of the Saints and heard a powerful discourse on the "Divine Mission of Joseph Smith". To say that I was thrilled with joy but feebly expresses my feelings at that time. I could see no other way but to repent of my sins and to be baptized. I knew my people would bitterly oppose it when they knew it and that my former friends would treat me badly and it was worse than I ever thought. On the 4th of December of 1851, a sister in the church, two Elders and myself went to the river at midnight and when I looked down in the dark water I felt as though I could not possibly go in it. But a voice seemed to say "There is no other way". It seemed after that that everything had changed. The scales had fallen from my eyes and the Gospel plan was glorious and I covenanted with my Heavenly Father that however dark the clouds may be, if friends turned to be foes, that by His help, I would serve Him. And I have tried in my faltering way to do so. I have often made mistakes and said some things I have been sorry for but I have never doubted the truthfulness of this Gospel or put stumbling blocks in the way of others. After years of fasting and prayers and many tears, the Lord opened the way for me to come to Zion. I prayed earnestly to God to help me in the long tedious journey that was before me that I may not murmur on the way or complain if a lion should be in my path and he answered my prayers for I saw nothing to murmur at. My heart was filled with gratitude all the way. We sailed from Liverpool in the old sailing vessel Antartica on May 23rd 1863. We were seven weeks on the sea, nine days on the train, three days on the Missouri river boat and two months and three days on the plains. We arrived in Salt Lake City on the third day of October 1863. Many shed tears of joy on first beholding the city of the saints. After so long a time without being in a house, we appreciated the privilege of entering one and especially to sit down in one and partake of a good meal. Since that time, God has blessed me with a good kind tender husband and I am the mother of nine children six of whom the kind and wise Father has called to the great beyond so that if I am worthy when my time is up, that they will meet and welcome me. Also, my dear Husband that was taken to the other side on Feb 21st 1903.

In July of 1876 I was called by the Relief Society and Bishop Daniel Thompson to preside over the Society of Scipio, which position I held until May of 1883, when I was chosen by President Ira N. Hinkley to preside over the R. Societies of Millard Stake. And, I reluctantly resigned that position in the fall of 1904. On account of the loss of my dear husband and my being alone I left Millard Stake to reside with my children in Salt Lake and Ogden. I can say that I have seen the hand of the Lord over his people on land and sea. I have seen times when it required faith to believe that our enemies would not triumph over us and times on the sea when ships were sinking around while the vessels with the saints on board rode over the mountainous waves in safety and I can say with one of old,

"That I was young and now I am old but I have never seen the righteous forsaken."

(Signed) Elizabeth Francis Yates

Salt Lake City

March 12th 1905

(the following note was added)

Dear Sister Moody, After you have read this at your annual meeting, will you kindly return it to me at 1159 Bryans Avenue Salt Lake City.

With love to yourself and all the sisters of your Society, I am your Sister in the Gospel,

E. F. Yates